Administrative Assistant

What the job involves

As an administrative assistant you would be making sure that the day-to-day tasks of an office run smoothly. Tasks that you may be responsible for include dealing with incoming and outgoing post, reception duties, answering telephone and email communication, taking minutes at meetings, typing letters and documents and keeping records up-to-date.

Personal qualities

You will need to have a high level of accuracy and attention to detail and have strong organisation and problem solving skills. Good communication, presentation, and negotiating skills are required, as is the ability to be able to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

Working conditions

As an administrator, you would normally be working between the hours of 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Part-time hours are often available. Most of your time will be spent working in an office environment using a computer.

Qualifications and training

A lot of your training will be carried out on-the-job as organisations will often have bespoke database systems and administration procedures.

An Apprenticeship in Business Administration will allow you to gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst learning in the workplace. CAW Business School offers these from levels 2 to 4, allowing you the opportunity to train to a managerial level.

Getting into the profession

Often there are no minimum academic entry requirements for an administrative assistant role but some employers will require GCSEs in English and maths or a qualification in business administration, such as the Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business Administration.

Salary and benefits

Salaries are between approximately £12,000 and £20,000 a year.

Progression

Through experience and by undertaking qualifications in Business Administration you could progress from an assistant role, to an administrator, through to a team leader and even administration manager.